Popular Mechanics’ list of the 100 most attractive cars

From open-wheeled, pre-war racers to modern techno-marvels, here's Popular Mechanics' list of the 100 most attractive cars of all time. The only hard requirement for making the cut: At least one fully drivable example had to have actually been created.

By Popular Mechanics

on February 28, 2013 2:30 PM

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100. Jaguar XJS (1975–1996)

What Popular Mechanics said: The successor to the iconic E-Type, the XJS was a great-looking car in its own right. In production for more than two decades, it became one of the most recognizable models from Jaguar. (Photo: Stephenhanafin, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: The original Camaro set many young hearts aflutter. With muscular, purposeful styling and power to spare, the '60s Camaro became an instant classic. (Photo: Sshtroumpfy, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: Despite going through some awkward "wedge" phases in its early days, the Esprit hit its stride with the early '90s S4 variant. By the twin-turbo V-8 generation, it had evolved into a legitimate exotic. (Photo: 98Octane, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: TVR has been producing sports cars since the '50s, and the Griffith that debuted in 1991 represented a new era that brought the English maker back to the curvaceous designs it excelled at decades ago. (Photo: Colin RedGriff, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: The entirety of '50s automotive fashion in America can practically be summed up in the '59 Cadillac. Huge, heavy and comically over-styled, it's a classic from a bygone era — and highly desirable in today's collector market. (That Hartford Guy, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: Shortly before World War II reached a fever pitch, French maker Bugatti enjoyed considerable recognition for its gorgeous Type 57. A total of 710 were ultimately produced. (Photo: Jack_Snell, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: If macho can be sexy, then the Dodge Viper has appeal to spare. Designed to be brutally fast, uncomplicated, and eye-catching, this low-tech superstar from Detroit hit instant fame. (Photo: Chrysler-Group, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: The 540K marked a distinct change in style from its predecessor, the 500K. The new model featured sleeker and curvier bodywork, along with a larger, more powerful straight-8 engine. (Photo: George Schwalbach, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: Afraid of losing its "pony car" crown to the archrival Chevy Camaro, Ford created the Boss 302 variant of the perennially popular Mustang to underscore the importance of legitimate performance over maximum power. (Photo: Vhad Horwedel, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: Yes, it's true: Volvo once made a sexy sports car. The P1800 was Volvo's successful attempt to recover from its previous P1900 sports car, which had failed miserably. (Photo:

What Popular Mechanics said: The Karmann Ghia was a surprisingly popular experiment for VW. The sporty coupe was built largely from the existing Beetle model, but featured bodywork by Italian designer Ghia and German coachbuilder Karmann. (Photo: Dave_7, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: The GT-R is an automotive wonder not only for its looks, but also for its uncanny ability to use high technology to shame exotic supercars that cost many times as much as the Nissan. (Photo: Kenjonbro, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: The first generation Corvette is the most significant American car ever created. Its stunningly original design and impressive performance, not to mention its potent fuel-injected engines, proved once and for all that America could compete in the sports car arena. (Photo: George Schwalbach, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: While the Spider has evolved through various iterations over the years, it's the original "Series 1" generation of the '60s, famous from the movie The Graduate, that tugs the heartstrings of enthusiasts. (Photo: ck-cabrio_creativelabs, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: While the previous XK wasn't ugly by any means, the Jaguar sports car reached a new level of understated, modern elegance in its latest generation. (Photo: BastiaanImages, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: The Diablo succeeded the famous Countach, and features even more wild speed and impracticality than its predecessor. Luckily, its design has done a better job standing the test of time.

What Popular Mechanics said: Hudson is one of Detroit's lesser-known manufacturers. Its Hornet model, however, epitomizes "bathtub" styling and holds a place in history for its significant role in stock-car racing. (Photo: Granada_Turnier, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: A true classic by any standards. The original T-Bird was a response to Chevy's Corvette, and oozes '50s diners and drive-ins style from every angle. (Photo: Mr. T in DC, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: Limited to just 20 production cars sold to the public, the Reventon rePresents the future of Lamborghini design. Its style, both inside and out, is inspired by stealth military jets. (Photo: Sazbean, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: The Austin-Healey 3000 is a touch larger and heavier than other British roadsters of its day. By today's standard, though, it's still a compact featherweight. (Photo: myoldpostcards, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: The first BMW to wear the now-famous M badge, the M1 is one of the rarest BMW models. Its midengine layout was designed specifically for racing success. (Photo: Sporthotel Achental, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: Tiny, lightweight, fast, and nimble. The Elise, along with its more hardcore, track-oriented Exige sibling, defines what Lotus is all about: a connection between driver and road. (Photo:

What Popular Mechanics said: The hallowed F40 is an icon of automotive enthusiasm. With its terrifyingly turbocharged V-8, it was the first production car ever to cross the 200 mph barrier. (Photo: Eddy Clio, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: Inspired by the also-gorgeous 507 of the '50s, the Z8 was BMW's answer to growing demand for a high-end roadster. It shared its explosive V-8 engine with the M5 supersedan. (Photo: ck-cabrio_creativelabs, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: Also known as the teardrop, the CSS was a successful racer from the '30s and featured a jaw-droppingly sleek design that turns heads 70 years later. (Photo: Rocket House Studio, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: The large Continental of the '60s helped to bring about the end of the gaudy, overstyled American cars of the '50s. The 1965 model year is a particular favorite among enthusiasts. (Photo: Bob P.B., Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: With its spidery eyes, classic British shape, and roaring Speed Six engine, the modern iteration of the TVR Tuscan is like nothing else on the road. (Photo: Kenjonbro, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: More commonly called the Datsun 240Z, the original Z car was arguably the most important car in Japan's history. It proved once and for all that the country could compete in the worldwide auto market. (Photo: Kemeko, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: Ask a layman to picture a Ferrari and the Testarossa is likely what comes to mind. The boxer 12-cylinder engine and unmistakable appearance make the Testarossa still the definitive Ferrari. (Photo: Furlined, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: With a screaming V-10 engine and oodles of carbon fiber, the LFA is a seriously desirable supercar, and its Nurburgring variant holds one of the fastest production car lap times at the famous German track. (Photo: Autoviva.com, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: Traditional style blended with more modern concepts of size and weight, the Plus 4 was an attractive option on the English auto market. It eventually shared an engine with the Triumph TR3. (Photo: Katherinetompkins, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: In 2003, Lamborghini welcomed a second model into its stable, the "entry-level" Gallardo. Designed to do battle with the midengined Ferraris, it offered a strikingly distinct style and an exhilarating high-rpm V-10 engine. (Photo: Lwoodfp, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: The DB6's predecessor, the gorgeous DB5, was a tough act to follow. While it didn't quite achieve the same allure (DB5 is higher on our list), the DB6 was a technical improvement in all aspects—and still pretty enough to make the top 100. (Photo: Ssalonso, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: The original Lotus Elite set the formula for all Lotuses to follow. It was extremely lightweight (roughly 1100 lbs), allowing it to make the most of its small, 1.2-liter engine. (Photo: Dave Hamster, Flickr)

What Popular Mechanics said: The latest Lamborghini flagship supercar is an obvious evolution of the mighty Murcielago that preceded it. As expected, packs an enormous amount of power and flashy style. (Photo: Zesser, Flickr)